Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- At this time of year the concern is more about snow than rain, but Syracuse University and Dome officials are working on a plan to reuse some of the runoff from the famous roof. C&S Companies helped secure a Federal grant to capture rainwater rather than let it run into the storm water system.
"Having a building like this in place it obviously stands out in the community and on campus. When we were approached by engineers from C&S and we met with them and decided, what can we do if we save some of the water from the roof,” said Carrier Dome Manager Pete Sala.
The basic concept is there and gravity will be a big help, so will the design of the Dome. Restrooms are stacked right over each other from level to level, but some key details are still being worked out.
"Where can we store the water somewhere in the building, very difficult, that's been one of the biggest challenges because we can't store the water in the tubs where the water comes down because of snow backup onto the roof, so we need to be a little creative with that,” Sala said.
It’s very possible that by sometime next football season when you go to the dome and use the restroom, you’ll notice a tint to the water that means it’s runoff from the roof.
They won’t be able to take all the rain that comes off the six and half acres of roof, that’s just too much to handle, but what they do collect will help reduce how much goes into the storm water system and eventually Onondaga Lake. It could make the popular stadium known for more than just sports.
While smaller than the Dome, Syracuse’s War Memorial captures rain water and snow melt runoff from its roof and reuses it primarily for ice production and ice maintenance at the arena.
